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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Wildlife Conservation |
| Unit code |
VETSM0038 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Carr |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
Bristol Veterinary School |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Health Sciences |
Description including Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide students with advanced training in the principles of wildlife conservation. In contrast to other units, where the focus is on wildlife in zoos and rehabilitation centres, this unit will describe the principles and techniques that can be used under free-range (in situ) conditions. Teaching will cover the causes of biodiversity loss; threats to wildlife populations; practical conservation strategies and techniques; designing and managing effective conservation projects; the role of national parks and conservation areas; and the use of new technology (e.g. GIS) to help solve applied wildlife conservation problems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completing this unit students should be able to:
- Describe the causes of biodiversity loss, systematically explaining which species are vulnerable to extinction, and why.
- Show a conceptual understanding of the principles of population biology and how these can be applied to biodiversity conservation.
- Appraise the strengths and limitations of various techniques used in the conservation of endangered species.
- Develop realistic solutions to conservation problems that wildlife managers face on a daily basis, factoring in the complex and sometimes unpredictable characteristics of natural systems.
- Demonstrate awareness of new technology that is available to support conservation objectives, such as geographical information systems, remote sensing and satellite tracking.
Teaching Information
This unit will be taught using a blended learning approach. This will include short lectures, group workshops, field trips (virtual or in person), computer-based practicals and self-guided learning and reflection. The students’ understanding of the taught material will be reinforced by the use of case studies and real world examples of conservation problems. E-resources will be provided for this unit through the Blackboard online learning environment.
Assessment Information
The student's performance on this unit will be assessed by:
- One habitat survey report based on an evaluation of field data (50%).
- One written report addressing a wildlife conservation topic (50%).
Reading and References
The following are some examples of recommended texts. Others will be suggested by individual tutors during their teaching sessions.
- Gibbs, J.P., Hunter, M.L. & Sterling, E.J. (2008) Problem-solving in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Primack, R. (2010) Essentials of Conservation Biology. McMillan Science.
- Scally, R. (2006) GIS for Environmental Management. ESRI Press.
- Scott Mills, L. (2012) Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics and Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Sinclair, A.R.E., Fryxell, J.M. & Caughley, G. (2005) Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management. (2nd Ed). Wiley-Blackwell Publising.
- Sutherland, W.J. & Hill, D.A. (1995) Managing Habitats for Conservation. Cambridge University Press.
- Wegmann, M., Leutner, B. & Dech, S. (2016) Remote Sensing and GIS for Ecologists. Pelagic Publishing.
- Woodroffe, R., Thirgood, S. & Rabinowitz, A. (2005) People and Wildlife, Conflict or Co-existence? Cambridge University Press.
